Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R RAID Setup

Has your NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R RAID Setup

Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an XCubeNAS XN5008R. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R RAID Setup

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Qsan often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

How can a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device's network throughput or bandwidth capacity affect data transfer and potential loss?

The network throughput or bandwidth capacity of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, such as the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R, can have a significant impact on data transfer and potential loss. Here's how:

  1. Data Transfer Speed: The network throughput determines how quickly data can be transferred between the NAS device and other network-connected devices. Higher throughput means faster data transfer rates, enabling quicker backups, file sharing, and access to data. Conversely, lower throughput can result in slower data transfer, leading to delays and reduced productivity.
  2. Latency: Network throughput also affects latency, which is the delay between sending a request and receiving a response. Higher throughput reduces latency, ensuring faster response times and improved user experience. Lower throughput can increase latency, resulting in sluggish performance and longer wait times.
  3. Concurrent Connections: A NAS device with higher network throughput can handle a larger number of concurrent connections without experiencing performance degradation. This is crucial in environments with multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously. If the throughput capacity is exceeded, data transfer speeds may slow down, causing delays and potential loss of productivity.
  4. Data Loss: Inadequate network throughput can increase the risk of data loss during data transfers. Insufficient bandwidth may lead to packet loss, where network packets carrying data are dropped due to congestion or limited capacity. Packet loss can result in corrupted or incomplete files, leading to data loss or the need for retransmissions, which further slows down the transfer process.
  5. Backup and Recovery: NAS devices are often used for data backup and disaster recovery purposes. Higher network throughput allows for faster backup and recovery operations, reducing the time required to safeguard or restore critical data. Insufficient bandwidth can prolong backup windows and recovery times, leaving data vulnerable to loss or extended downtime.

To mitigate these issues, it is essential to ensure that the network infrastructure supporting the NAS device is capable of providing sufficient throughput. This includes using high-speed network connections, such as Gigabit Ethernet or faster, and ensuring proper network configuration to avoid bottlenecks or congestion. Regular monitoring and optimization of the network can help maintain optimal throughput levels and minimize the risk of data transfer issues or loss.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS XCubeNAS XN5008R can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Qsan

How to recover data from a Qsan

XCubeNAS XN5008R has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R network-attached storage keeps SANOS operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS XCubeNAS XN5008R, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jeffrey Strefling
    Jeffrey Strefling 6.09.2023 05:48 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device be done in cases of RAID system failures?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 6.09.2023 06:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device can be done in cases of RAID system failures. However, it is important to note that the process of data recovery from a failed RAID system can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and tools.

      In case of a RAID system failure, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who has experience in dealing with RAID systems. They will have the necessary expertise to diagnose the issue, rebuild the RAID array if necessary, and recover the data from the NAS device.

      It is important to act quickly in such situations to prevent further damage or data loss.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and mechanisms in place on the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R to ensure data security?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R has several key features and mechanisms in place to ensure data security. These include:

    1. RAID Protection: The XN5008R supports various RAID levels (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that data remains accessible even if a drive fails.
    2. Snapshot Technology: The XN5008R utilizes snapshot technology to create point-in-time copies of data. These snapshots can be used to quickly recover data in case of accidental deletion, data corruption, or ransomware attacks.
    3. AES-256 Encryption: The XN5008R supports AES-256 encryption, which is a highly secure encryption standard. It ensures that data stored on the NAS is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    4. Access Control: The XN5008R provides comprehensive access control mechanisms. It supports user and group-based access control lists (ACLs), allowing administrators to define fine-grained permissions for different users and groups. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files and folders.
    5. IP Access Control: The XN5008R allows administrators to define IP access control lists, specifying which IP addresses or ranges are allowed to access the NAS. This helps in preventing unauthorized access from external networks.
    6. Antivirus Integration: The XN5008R supports integration with popular antivirus software. It can scan files and folders for viruses and malware, ensuring that the NAS remains protected from potential threats.
    7. Data Deduplication and Compression: The XN5008R supports data deduplication and compression techniques, which reduce storage requirements and optimize data transfer. This helps in conserving storage space and improving overall system performance.
    8. Data Integrity Check: The XN5008R performs data integrity checks using checksums to detect and correct any data corruption or errors that may occur during storage or transmission.
    9. Secure Remote Access: The XN5008R provides secure remote access capabilities, allowing users to access their data securely from anywhere using encrypted protocols such as SSL/TLS.
    10. Backup and Replication: The XN5008R supports various backup and replication options, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups. This ensures that data is protected and can be quickly recovered in case of any unforeseen events.

    Overall, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R incorporates a combination of hardware and software features to ensure data security, integrity, and availability.

  • How does the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R protect against unauthorized access and data breaches?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R has several features and mechanisms in place to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches:

    1. User Authentication: The XCubeNAS supports multiple user accounts with different access levels and permissions. It uses a username/password combination for authentication, ensuring that only authorized users can access the system.
    2. Access Control: The system allows administrators to define access control lists (ACLs) to restrict access to specific folders or files. This ensures that only authorized users or groups can access sensitive data.
    3. Encryption: The XCubeNAS supports AES 256-bit encryption for data transmission and storage. This ensures that even if unauthorized users gain access to the data, it remains encrypted and unreadable.
    4. Firewall and IP Blocking: The system has a built-in firewall that can be configured to restrict access from unauthorized IP addresses. It also supports IP blocking, which allows administrators to block specific IP addresses or IP ranges from accessing the system.
    5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The XCubeNAS supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to the authentication process. Users are required to provide a second form of verification, such as a unique code generated by a mobile app, in addition to their username and password.
    6. Antivirus and Anti-Malware: The XCubeNAS has integrated antivirus and anti-malware scanning capabilities. It can scan files and folders for known threats, helping to prevent malware infections and data breaches.
    7. Data Backup and Snapshot: The XCubeNAS supports data backup and snapshot features, allowing users to create regular backups and point-in-time snapshots of their data. In the event of a data breach or unauthorized access, users can restore their data from a previous backup or snapshot.
    8. Auditing and Logging: The system keeps a detailed log of user activities, including login attempts, file access, and system changes. This auditing and logging feature helps administrators monitor and identify any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.

    By implementing these security features, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R aims to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of stored data.

  • Can you explain the backup and disaster recovery options available on the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R to ensure data integrity and minimize data loss risks?

    The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R offers several backup and disaster recovery options to ensure data integrity and minimize data loss risks. These options include:

    1. Snapshot: The XCubeNAS XN5008R supports snapshot technology, which allows you to take point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots capture the state of your data at a specific moment, enabling you to easily restore files or folders to a previous version if they become corrupted or accidentally deleted.
    2. Replication: The XCubeNAS XN5008R supports data replication, which involves creating a copy of your data and storing it on another device or location. This ensures that even if the primary storage device fails, you can quickly recover your data from the replicated copy. Replication can be done synchronously or asynchronously, depending on your needs for real-time data protection or flexibility.
    3. RAID: The XCubeNAS XN5008R supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) combines multiple physical drives into a single logical unit, providing redundancy and improved performance. By using RAID, you can protect your data against drive failures and minimize the risk of data loss.
    4. Cloud Backup: The XCubeNAS XN5008R supports cloud backup, allowing you to back up your data to popular cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Storage. Cloud backup provides an off-site copy of your data, protecting it against physical damage or disasters that may occur at your primary location.
    5. External Backup: The XCubeNAS XN5008R offers multiple USB and eSATA ports, allowing you to connect external storage devices for backup purposes. You can schedule regular backups to external drives or configure the XCubeNAS as a backup target for other devices on your network.
    6. Data Deduplication and Compression: The XCubeNAS XN5008R supports data deduplication and compression, which help reduce storage space requirements and optimize backup and recovery times. Deduplication identifies and eliminates duplicate data, while compression reduces the size of data files, enabling more efficient storage utilization.

    By leveraging these backup and disaster recovery options, the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R ensures data integrity and minimizes the risks of data loss. It provides various methods to create redundant copies of your data, protect against hardware failures, and enable quick recovery in the event of a disaster.